The University of Idaho Extension has hired Dr. Bridger Feuz as its new associate director. Feuz brings over two decades of experience from the University of Wyoming Extension, where he served in various roles, including associate director. He has a strong background in agricultural economics, ranch management education, and program development. Feuz will be based at the Aberdeen Research and Extension Center. His experience in Extension education and administration, along with his recent doctoral research on Extension programs, positions him to lead agriculture programming and enhance professional development initiatives at U of I.

The U.S. and China have agreed to a 90-day reduction in tariffs to allow further trade negotiations, marking the first high-level dialogue between the two countries since April. Under the agreement, both nations will lower reciprocal tariffs from 125% to 10%, though a 20% U.S. tariff tied to China’s role in the fentanyl crisis remains, leaving Chinese imports with a minimum 30% tariff. China also pledged to lift non-tariff barriers imposed since April 2.

Ocean freight rates for bulk commodities, including grain, declined in the first quarter of 2025, according to the latest Grain Transportation Report. This seasonal drop was driven by weak global demand and an ample supply of vessel capacity, which has increased by 14% since December 2020. The report also notes uncertainty surrounding the impact of tariffs and restrictions on Chinese-built vessels, which could influence future freight dynamics.

U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) recently hosted its first-ever Sub-Saharan Africa buyers conference in Cape Town, South Africa, bringing together wheat buyers from 20 countries. With Sub-Saharan Africa expected to lead global wheat import growth over the next 25 years due to rising populations and currently low per capita consumption, the region presents a major opportunity for U.S. wheat. USW is also working to boost demand for soft white wheat from the Pacific Northwest through training and product demonstrations. Plans are underway for further buyer education, supplier connections, and possibly another conference within two years.

The University of Idaho’s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) is advancing Idaho’s cereal production through innovative wheat breeding and strategic investments. New cultivars like UI Gold and UI Warrior promise high yields and strong market appeal. Backed by endowments from the Idaho Wheat and Barley Commissions, CALS supports research, faculty, and infrastructure that benefit both growers and the broader agricultural industry. Cereal crops remain vital to Idaho’s economy. CALS is nationally recognized for its research excellence, new facilities, and continued commitment to sustainable agriculture.

Glyphosate is not without risk, but it is one of the most researched and regulated herbicides worldwide. Its vilification stems more from social movements than scientific evidence, combining environmental fears, anti-corporate attitudes, and commercial rivalry. Banning glyphosate without viable, scalable alternatives would increase production costs, lower yields, and threaten food prices — at a time when global supply chains are already under pressure.

U.S. food and ag exports to Mexico surged 65% over the past four years, reaching $31.4 billion in 2024—just shy of Canada’s $32.4 billion. Driven by Mexico’s booming manufacturing sector and rising demand for meat, dairy, grains, and processed foods, the U.S.–Mexico ag trade hit $80 billion. While growth may slow due to economic pressures and a weaker peso, Mexico is on track to become the top buyer of U.S. ag products—especially grain, feed, and oilseeds. Experts call it a “win-win” for both nations’ food systems.